First Indian Miss America Receives Support After Racist Backlash

Nina Davuluri may have won the title of Miss America, but she didn’t immediately win the hearts of America. The critical powerhouse known as Twitter almost erupted in racist tweets Sunday after the 24-year-old made history as the first Indian-American to win the beauty competition.

“If you’re #Miss America you should have to be American,” one woman tweeted.

“How the f–k does a foreigner win miss America? She is a Arab! #idiots,” a man added.

Despite the hate-spewed comments, the reigning Miss New York said she’s glad to represent change.

“I’m so happy this organization has embraced diversity,” the Syracuse native said in a press conference after her win. “I’m thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America.”

“I have to rise above that,” she continued. “I always viewed myself as first and foremost American.”

Tyra Banks took to her Twitter account to offer Nina, who has remain posed in the midst of racial attacks, some much-needed love:

Congratulations Miss America who is Indian from Asia, not a Muslim terrorist in a bikini. I must read Idiot America by Charles Pierce, WTF!—
Pam Grier (@PamGrier) September 18, 2013

Celebs weren’t the only ones to offer their support to the beauty queen. Her 89-year-old grandmother had some kind words to say as well. “I am very, very, happy for the girl,” V Koteshwaramma said. “It was her dream and it was fulfilled.”